DISTINGUISHED LECTURER: ‘Robust Kick Detection: First Step on Our Well Control Automation Journey’

Speaker: Brian Tarr – Shell International Exploration and Production Inc.

Abstract:

In 2010 Shell began investigating how to automate the initial response to a well control incident. The first phase of the project was to develop a rig system that could reliably detect an influx across a broad spectrum of floating rig well construction related rig operations. The results of a fault tree style sensitivity analysis pointed to the high value of improving sensor data quality (both accuracy and reliability) and the importance of improving kick detection software for alarming (both in terms of coverage and how the driller is alerted to respond to a confirmed kick condition). Based on the analysis results, a Smart Kick Detection System functional specification was developed and used to upgrade the kick detection system on an offshore rig.

Biography

Brian Tarr is a Senior Well Engineer based in Houston, Texas. His long career has included assignments in both drilling and completion operations and he has managed several significant technology projects related to well construction process safety, including the first surface BOP implementation for a deepwater subsea develop (offshore Brazil) and the design and construction of compact, modular, subsea capping stacks (for deployment in the North Sea and offshore S.E. Asia).

Mr. Tarr has previously served as both a review committee chairman and a technical editor for the SPE Drilling and Completion magazine. He has also been active in both IADC and API well control related committees, including contributing to the 2nd edition of the IADC Deepwater Well Control Guidelines and to API RP 96, Deepwater Well Design and Construction. He has a Master of Petroleum Engineering degree from Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh Scotland, and is a registered professional engineer in Texas.